A Building Exploded In Ontario Last Night & Left 3 People Hospitalized (PHOTOS)
"Homes and businesses in the area have been evacuated."
An explosion in downtown Wheatley last night has left three people hospitalized and forced many in the area to evacuate.
The explosion took place at around 6 p.m. on August 26 on the corner of Erie Street and Talbot street, according to Chatham-Kent officials.
Police, EMS and Chatham-Kent fire say two buildings have been severely damaged.
Emergency crews remain on scene at after an explosion at Talbot St. E and Elm St. in #Wheatley. The Provincial Hazmat Team and Urban Search & Rescue have been called in to assist. @CK_EMS & @EssexWindsorEMS are on scene. pic.twitter.com/JDXhJLExHz
— Chatham-Kent Fire (@ckfiredept) August 27, 2021
Earlier that night at around 4:30 p.m. gas monitoring devices at the scene detected gas and the alarm triggered a 911 call.
Wow gas leak in Wheatley blew! #news #BREAKING pic.twitter.com/ETRns98Q4d
— PhotographybyPhos3 (@_phos3) August 26, 2021
"First responders had evacuated the buildings closest to the alarm and were in the process of evacuating a wider area when the explosion occurred," reads the news release.
Hoping everyone in #Wheatley is safe after the gas explosion. pic.twitter.com/l0hQG2vbsf
— mzallieosin (@MzAllieOsin1) August 27, 2021
According to Chatham-Kent officials, "homes and businesses in the area have been evacuated. Three persons have been taken to hospital with non-life threatening injuries."
At Talbot St. E and Elm St. in #Wheatley. Further evacuations are taking place by @CKPSMedia and residents in the area are being advised to prepare to evacuate. Anyone in need of housing can attended the Wheatley arena for assistance. For your safety avoid the area. pic.twitter.com/NuW0kGzefj
— Chatham-Kent Fire (@ckfiredept) August 27, 2021
The explosion took place in the vicinity of an area where hydrogen sulphide gas was found in June 2021, which led to an evacuation order and a state of emergency to be put into place.
Being away during a major incident is not easy but I'm very proud of the outstanding response by @CK_EMS staff and our @ckfiredept @CKPSMedia and @EssexWindsorEMS partners. Amazing collaboration and joint efforts on providing care & support for all. Thank you everyone! pic.twitter.com/gHQqtwU2X4
— Donald MacLellan (@GMMacLellan) August 27, 2021
"In July, the municipality declared a second state of emergency after confirming hydrogen sulfide was once again present in the building on 15 Erie St. North. That state of emergency remained in effect," the release says.
Our hearts go out to those who have been injured and all those affected by the tragic event in Wheatley. OFM investigators are on scene and the cause of the explosion is currently under investigation. https://t.co/li9ErI7SUY pic.twitter.com/4jdXsp1IYD
— Office of the Fire Marshal (@ONFireMarshal) August 27, 2021
Wheatley Arena has become a reception centre for people who have been evacuated from the area.